Isn’t it great how Buffalo Beer Week makes an otherwise mundane Tuesday seem like something truly special? There are so many awesome events going on today, a few of which I’ve had marked on my calendar since I first found out about them, namely the Oktoberfest and Beerfest screening at Lafayette Brewing and the Buffalo Beer Symposium at the Buffalo Cider Hall. If you happen to see me out tonight, make sure you say hi, then buy me a beer. Well, you don’t really have to buy me a beer, but if you’re nice enough to do so, I’m not going to turn it away. So keep reading and keep scrolling to see what’s on tap for today, Buffalo Beer Week Day 5.
Lafayette Brewing is releasing their annual Oktoberfest beer, a smooth, crisp and toasty version of the classic style lager that blends a variety of classic, rich German malts. And if that wasn’t enough, the brewery is also hosting a screening of one of the greatest beer movies ever released, Beerfest, while you drink the new beer from Das Boot. 5:30pm.
The Buffalo Beer Symposium (Buffalo Cider Hall, 6pm) is a panel discussion, featuring Matt Kahn (Big Ditch), Mike Shatzel (Thin Man), Scott Donovan (Blackbird) and more, on the history and future of brewing in Buffalo. The panel features brewers and industry experts that will discuss the evolution of brewing in Buffalo and where the craft beverage industry is headed. Both the public and industry members are invited to join us. Free entry.
Looking for something different during Beer Week? Why not try your hand at some meads and painting? Lilly Belle Meads is pairing up with local artist Diane Sypniewski for an evening of Meads & Masterpieces (6pm). She will guide you through the creation of this work of art while enjoying locally brewed craft meads and beverages at Lilly Belle Meads’ Potions Bar. At the Potions Bar, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to mix some classic potions and the ability to create your own. Seating is limited. $40 ticket includes all painting supplies, artistic instruction and a chance to become a Potions Master. Lilly Belle Meads will also have additional appetizers and snacks available for purchase.
There are a number of takeovers around town today as well. Hamburg Brewing is hitting the taps at World of Beer at the Walden Galleria (6pm), Pressure Drop is bringing a number of their beers to Hatchets and Hops (6pm) and pizza is taking over the kitchen menu at Belt Line Brewery (4pm).
New York Beer Project is hosting a German Beer Dinner (6:30pm), a gourmet four-course dining experience that pairs each German-inspired dish with one of NYBP’s ales and lagers. The brewing team will be on hand to walk everyone through each pairing in this sensory experience. Later on, they are hosting the North American Comedy Brewery Tour (7:30pm), an evening of laughing and drinking at New York Beer Project where you can indulge in the finest that comedy has to offer. Gene McCarthy’s is also hosting their Trivia Tuesday (7pm) and 12 Gates will host an Open Mic Night (6:30pm).
Elsewhere during Buffalo Beer Week, as has become custom, Buffalo Brewing Company will be open every single day. Pearl Street (seasonal beers with Beer Week booklet) and Lafayette Brewing are offering $3.50 pints all Beer Week long, and score $2 off pints at Pizza Plant (both locations) and $4 pints at Riverworks Brewing with coupons you can find in the official Beer Week book. Also, Blackbird Cider Works have daily specials, Hamm & Fattey’s and Fattey Beer Co. are running select $3 pint specials (check Buffalobeerweek.com for more details) and Five & 20 will be donating a portion of the proceeds from their specially priced Beer of the Month to Habitat for Humanity during the entire course of Buffalo Beer Week.
If you’re drinking something local during Buffalo Beer Week, post it on social media and tag the BBL – @Buffalobeerleague (Instagram), @Buffbeerleague (Twitter) and @Thebuffalobeerleague (Facebook). Also, use the hashtag #Buffalobeerweek.
Keep it locked to www.buffalobeerweek.com for more daily blog posts regarding all of the beers, all of the events and all of the happenings going on throughout Buffalo Beer Week. To see all the events that are happening over the next 10 days and to read the official Buffalo Beer Week book, visit http://www.buffalobeerweek.com. The theme this year is ‘ten years of craft beer.’ For more information, please visit Buffaloniagarabrewersassociation.org and Facebook.com/BuffaloNiagaraBrewersAssociation.
These next 10 days are about beer yes, but above all else, drink responsibly and be safe. If you need a ride home, try Lyft, Uber or Liberty Cab’s Ride Local. There are plenty of options to both drink and get home responsibly.
Brian Campbell is a co-founder/Brand Manager of the BNBA’s enthusiast arm, Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column for Step Out Buffalo. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at buffalobeerleague@aol.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague) and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).
